5 Key Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Pittsburgh Penguins Fans Hope for a Title

The Pittsburgh Penguins come into the Stanley Cup playoffs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They finished the shortened 48 game schedule with 72 points, just five points behind the Chicago Blackhawks (the only team the media talked about during the first half of the season) for the best record in the league.

The Penguins will face the New York Islanders in the first round, a team that hasn't been to the playoffs in six years. At first glance it would appear to be a cakewalk for Pittsburgh since it has been two decades since the Islanders have won a playoff series. Of course all hockey fans know that strange things can happen in the run to the Stanley Cup and an Islander series win isn't totally out of the question, just extremely unlikely.

If Pittsburgh can stay healthy they are the favorites to take home the hardware. They have the league's best offense and possibly the deepest team as well. The Penguins didn't stand pat at the trading deadline either as they brought in big name players just for the playoffs. If just a couple of these moves pan out, the Penguins will be one difficult team to stop.

So as the teams get ready to hit the ice, here is a look at the five players that will have to play the biggest roles. If these five guys consistently produce you will be watching the Penguins skate around with the Stanley Cup when all is said and done.

5. Jarome Iginla

Iginala was one of the players the Penguins brought in at the trade deadline. In 13 games with the Penguins he tallied 11 points. He isn't the player he was just a few years ago, but he can be a veteran presence on the second line.

4. Chris Kunitz

Kunitz was second in points on the Penguins and led the team in goals. The 33 year old had his best season and needs to carry it over to the playoffs. He needs to make sure he doesn't disappear like he did in the 2010-2011 playoffs where he scored just one point in six games.

3. Evgeni Malkin

Malkin missed 17 games during the regular season so he should be fresher than some other players. He has averaged over a point per game in the playoffs in his career. If he is able to keep that going fans will forget what has been a sub-par season for Malkin.

2. Marc-Andre Fleury

In the Stanley Cup playoffs, a team can ride a hot goalie all the way to a championship. Last year Fleury was quite disappointing in the playoffs, allowing an average of more than four goals per game, and the Penguins were booted in the first round. If Fleury doesn't come ready to play the Penguins could turn to Tomas Vokoun, but I think their chances are much better with Fleury in net.

1. Sidney Crosby

When he is going right he is the best player in hockey, but he has to be on the ice to make an impact. Crosby will miss at least the opener in the Islanders series and then we will have to just wait and see when he returns. There is no doubt that the Penguins are a much better team with Crosby than without, and they are no longer the favorites if Crosby misses extended time.